The Immune Boosting Power of Lymphatic Drainage

What is the lymphatic system, and why is it critical to our health to make sure it’s flowing properly?
The lymphatic system is one of the critical drainage systems in our bodies that affects virtually every other system, most especially our immune system. This system—which is often almost completely overlooked in modern medicine, unless there is significant pathology in it—plays a role in the brain, circulation, bone marrow, digestive tract, heart, lymph nodes, respiratory tract, tonsils, and many more.

The lymph system consists of a network of capillaries, the thymus, the spleen, the tonsils, the bone marrow and lymph nodes, which serve to act as an early warning system of disturbance in the immune system, infection or chronic disease. Everyone has experienced what a swollen lymph node feels like. We may think that it is a sign of acute infection, which is true, but it can also be a sign of chronic, underlying stress in the immune system representing autoimmune disorders and Lyme disease.

The lymph system is also critical for absorption of fats, which are fundamental to hormone
balance, nervous system regulation and the integrity of the cell membrane.

The lymph system is also critical for absorption of fats, which are fundamental to hormone
balance, nervous system regulation and the integrity of the cell membrane. In our modern-day world, we are experiencing greater than ever disruption and congestion in our lymphatic system. There are many reasons for this, including environmental toxins, poor food quality, heavy metals, dental toxins, inadequate hydration, poor sleep, lack of exercise, scar tissue development, inadequate nutrients, EMF and pathogens such as lyme, mycotoxins, parasites and viruses. It is critical to realize that our sedentary lifestyles are a major factor in developing lymphatic congestion. Very simply, the lymph doesn’t move unless we do.

Here are some things you should look for if you think you have lymphatic congestion:

· Allergies
· Chronic sinus congestion or infections
· Brain fog/inability to concentrate
· Acne or other chronic skin issues
· Depression
· Anxiety
· Weight gain
· Insomnia
· Migraines
· Cellulite
· Cysts or other swelling
· Chronic viral or bacterial infections
· Difficulty recovering from infections
· Low energy
· Constipation
· Food or chemical sensitivities

Why is lymphatic drainage important?
Manual stimulation of the lymph tissue that occurs throughout the entire body can activate a sluggish or non-moving lymph system. The massage focuses on a gentle rhythmic stroking of different parts of the body to stimulate a “pumping” action for the lymph to initiate lymph flow. This drainage massage can be very effective in relieving lymph congestion and enabling the body to clear toxins, transport fat and hormones more effectively and prevent the immune system from becoming over-burdened and weakened in its efforts to ward off viruses and pathogens. Very succinctly, lymphatic drainage will strengthen your immune system and make you less likely to become ill with acute or chronic disease